Tricky - The Obia EP (2016)

The ‘OBIA EP’ is Tricky’s latest release, out via his own False Idols imprint on Sept 30th. The seven track collection showcases works by established and young emerging artists including CASISDEAD, Kiko King & creativemaze, WOODJU, Syava and Euanwhosarmy Feat. Lyndsey Lupe.

All the artists featured have been specially chosen by Tricky with the main purpose to provide a platform for them to be heard, where – in contrast to most UK and US labels – music does not have to be in English language.

It includes a powerful collection of tracks one that stretches from soulful electronic and hip hop sounds of Russia’s underground to the grooves of Berlin’s young talent, including artists discovered by Tricky on his travels and touring around the globe.

The EP is framed by two tracks by WOODJU, opening with ‘Damballah’ and closing with ‘Irradiant’. Both him and Syava, who contributes the track “Nenaviju Izmenu”, are Russian artists that struck up a strong relationship with Tricky, once again on his travels and have now been provided with a platform to shine.

Next up, Tricky provides Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja (a/k/a 3D) an opportunity to showcase a new track entitled ‘For Nothing’, produced by Del Naja and Euan Dickinson under the name Euanwhosarmy and featuring the vocals of Lynsey Lupe. The pair’s current creative bond should come as no surprise, as Tricky recently returned to perform alongside the Bristol band this summer to much media attention.

Los Angeles- and Berlin born Kiko King & creativemaze who now both reside in Berlin and have supported Tricky on German dates, add two tracks, “Tin Man” and “Wolves”.

‘Does It’ is a new take of a track that originally appeared on Tricky’s ‘False Idols’ album in 2013. This version features new verses from one of UK rap’s most elusive and enigmatic figures CASISDEAD who delivers his trademark distinctly British and macabre delivery with snatches of story bound lyrics that are socially poignant.

There’s a clear organic and unforced feel to the OBIA EP with the contributors granted license to grow with a native wild approach. We see Tricky taking a visible supporting role to artists that he wants to see flourish.